- Western Australia has secured the 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships
- Championships expected to attract hundreds of visitors and reaffirm Perth's reputation as a host of major rowing events
- Event is part of the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy to grow tourism and support local businesses and jobs
The Cook Labor Government will bring the nation's Masters rowing community to Perth in May, hosting the 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships at Champion Lakes.
Returning to Western Australia for the first time since 2019, the championship is one of the largest and most inclusive events on the national rowing calendar, welcoming competitors aged 27 and over.
The Masters Regatta is expected to attract competitors, officials and spectators from across the country, delivering strong economic benefits for local businesses, hotels and hospitality venues.
From 27-30 May, the event will see masters rowers compete in more than 300 races, celebrating participation, longevity in sport and community connection, while showcasing Champion Lakes as one of Australia's leading rowing venues.
The Masters Regatta forms part of a broader commitment to establishing WA as a lead host of rowing events with Perth securing a pipeline of other major national events, including the Australian Rowing Championships in 2027, the Australian Beach Sprints Championships in 2028, and the return of the Masters Championships in 2030.
Mass participation events like the Masters Rowing Championships form part of the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy as they deliver strong economic returns, help grow the State's visitor economy and support local jobs and businesses.
For more information visit rowingaustralia.com.au
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Australian Masters Rowing Championships is a major drawcard for Perth, bringing athletes and supporters from across the nation to Western Australia and delivering strong outcomes for our visitor economy.
"This event celebrates participation, community and lifelong involvement in sport, and Champion Lakes is the perfect venue to showcase Perth's ability to host high-quality national rowing championships.
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to support events that contribute to the State's economic diversification by attracting visitors, boosting local jobs and businesses, and highlighting Western Australia as a world-class destination for major sporting events."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Securing the 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships is a fantastic outcome for rowing in our State and will provide a great opportunity for local clubs to compete at a high level on home water.
"To assist with this year's event, our government also provided $50,000 to the Rowing Association of Western Australia through our Sport and Recreation Events Funding Program.
"Rowing promotes fitness, teamwork and wellbeing, and we're proud to support an event that brings those benefits to more people in our community."
